Module 7 - Belanger Ch 14 - Urban Indigenous Issues Flashcards
What is a common misconception about Indigenous people in Canada?
That they live exclusively on remote reserves, despite significant urbanization.
What did the 2010 Urban Indigenous Peoples Study reveal about urban Indigenous identity?
70% considered the city home, were proud of their Indigenous identity, and wanted greater visibility in urban spaces.
Why do Indigenous people migrate to cities?
For better education, employment opportunities, and to escape challenges like intergenerational trauma and family violence.
What challenges do urban Indigenous populations face compared to non-Indigenous urban populations?
Higher rates of poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and lower educational attainment.
What is “churn” in the context of urban Indigenous populations?
The frequent movement between reserves, cities, and within municipalities for better accommodations and opportunities.
What are friendship centres, and why were they established?
Community hubs providing support, resources, and services for Indigenous people transitioning to urban life.
How did federal policies contribute to Indigenous urbanization?
Policies promoting assimilation inadvertently encouraged migration to cities, although transition support was minimal.
What is a key challenge for urban Indigenous organizations?
Limited technical, financial, and human resource capacity despite increasing urban Indigenous populations.
How do Indigenous urban communities differ from reserve communities?
They are more heterogeneous, lack a land base, and often have complex, variable identities.
What role do friendship centres play today?
They provide essential services like health care, housing, employment readiness, and support for women and children.
Why are urban Indigenous populations underrepresented in policy and research?
Persistent misconceptions and federal neglect have marginalized their contributions and needs in urban settings.
What was the purpose of the Native Friendship Centre Program (NFCP) established in 1983?
It recognized friendship centres as “legitimate urban institutions” addressing the needs of urban Indigenous populations.
What key role do friendship centres play for urban Indigenous populations in Canada?
They provide essential services like health care, housing, employment readiness, and cultural programs.
What is a satellite reserve?
A parcel of urban land designated as reserve land to support economic, social, and cultural development for First Nations.
What are the key benefits of urban reserves?
Economic diversification, improved services, expanded self-government, and fostering community development.
Why are urban reserves considered “economic development zones”?
They generate significant revenues through business activities and create jobs for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.
What is municipal colonialism, and how does it affect urban Indigenous communities?
The belief that Indigenous peoples are inferior or stakeholders rather than equal partners, which hinders their participation in municipal governance.
What five components do Hill and Cooke suggest for urban Indigenous community development?
Strategic planning circle, elders and children, prayers and medicine, responsibility and ownership, mentoring and role modeling.
How does the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) support urban Indigenous rights?
It acknowledges individual and collective rights, including self-determination, regardless of residence.
What unique challenges do urban Indigenous youth face in developing their identity?
Racism, lack of cultural mentors, limited self-esteem programs, and negative perceptions of reserves.
What role do municipal governments play in Indigenous urban governance?
Municipal governments often resist Indigenous self-determination, creating barriers to representation and service provision.
What did the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) conclude about urban Indigenous communities in 1996?
They lacked resources, visibility, and collective power, necessitating urgent support for organizational and cultural development.
How are urban Indigenous communities reclaiming cultural identity in cities?
Through education, cultural programming, and new initiatives promoting traditional practices in urban settings.
What is the primary purpose of urban reserves like the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s reserve in Saskatoon?
To promote economic and commercial development that benefits both on-reserve and off-reserve members.
How did the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation establish its urban reserve in Saskatoon?
By using treaty land entitlement (TLE) settlements to purchase municipal land and negotiate municipal service agreements.
What key services are provided to the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s urban reserve by the City of Saskatoon?
Municipal services such as water, sewage, garbage collection, and snow removal, funded through property taxes collected by the Cree Nation.
What economic activities are hosted at the McKnight Commercial Centre in Saskatoon’s urban reserve?
It includes First Nations governance offices, gaming authorities, and various businesses employing over 350 people.
What are Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) claims?
Settlements to resolve land debts owed to First Nations under historic treaties, allowing them to purchase land for reserve creation or expansion.
What is a common misconception about urban reserves?
Many believe Indigenous businesses on urban reserves do not pay taxes, leading to resistance from local communities.
What economic success did the urban reserves in Saskatchewan achieve in 2018-19?
Seven First Nations casinos generated $82.5 million in net income, employing over 1,200 Indigenous people with a payroll of $75 million.
What is the significance of urban reserves for Indigenous self-government?
They enable First Nations to exercise self-determination, expand economic opportunities, and develop services for urban Indigenous populations.
What challenges do urban Indigenous communities face in gaining acceptance in municipal governance?
They are often viewed as stakeholders rather than rights-holders, with municipal governments hesitant to recognize self-determination rights.
